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If you are on the prowl for a luxury sedan with a sporty feel, the BMW 330i and Audi A4 are excellent options. Each is loaded with high-tech features, rife with safeguards and provides an enjoyable driving experience. Yet the BMW 330i emerges as the victor thanks to its surplus of interior niceties, superior handling and rapid acceleration. Let’s take a closer look at the two vehicles to help readers determine which is best for their nuanced automotive needs and desires.
A Quick Look at the 2017 Audi A4
This year’s edition of the Audi A4 arrives with a completely new design. Though it looks fairly similar to the previous year’s version, the new A4 features a visually appealing and comfortable interior that provides considerable space. Audi engineers have updated the vehicle’s powertrain and added plenty of new equipment. However, many of these bells and whistles are optional rather than standard.
The Seemingly Endless BMW 330i Features
When it comes to features, the 330i really shines. It features an intuitive iDrive infotainment system that anyone can master in less than an hour. The 330i also features standard sports seats, a gas-conserving stop/start system, power-adjustable seats, auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth, heated side mirrors with power folding, paddle shifting, automatic parking, split-folding back seats, memory function for the driver’s seat, standard 17-inch wheels and all sorts of uber-cool niceties in its Premium and Tech packages.
The 330i wagon comes with an expansive panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, roof rails and much more. Additional 330i features include keyless start, rain sensing wipers, an engine immobilizer, audio controls on the steering wheel and HD radio. The A4 has its fair share of high-tech bells and whistles as well. The A4 hits the scene with an 8.3-inch touchscreen, automatic high beams, a heated steering wheel and a navigation system. However, the A4’s features do not stack up to those of the 330i. In the end, drivers who are looking for a vehicle with an abundance of high-tech bells and whistles will be better served with the 330i.
Protection
In terms of safety, the A4 and BMW 330i have all the basics: traction control, anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags. Each vehicle is equipped with a forward collision warning technology that provides automatic braking. Both vehicles also feature a backup camera, a lane-departure warning system and blind spot monitoring. It must be mentioned that the A4 received the “Top Safety Pick” score from the IHS. It is also worth noting that the 330i stopped from 70 mph in a mere 168 feet. This is an excellent braking distance for a vehicle of the 330i’s build.
Power
The 330i has a turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with 258 pound feet of torque and 248 horses. This engine sends the 330i to 60 mph from a dead stop in 5.4 seconds. In contrast, the A4 reaches 60 mph from a dead stop in about six seconds. The 330i achieves 23 mpg on city roads and 34 mpg on highways. One reviewer noted the 330i achieved a whopping 41 mpg on his 200-mile highway ride. The A4 has a turbocharged 4-cylinder with 273 pound feet of torque, 252 horses and 2.0 liters. This engine is tied to a seven speed dual clutch automatic. Buyers can opt for all-wheel drive if they prefer it to the standard front-wheel drive.
